THE chief executive of South Central Ambulance Service will step down next year after 17 years in charge.

Will Hancock has said the early announcement will enable the trust, which covers Oxfordshire as well as most of the south region, to begin an open recruitment process and “ensure a smooth transition of leadership”.  

Mr Hancock led the merger of the four ambulance services covering Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire which established SCAS and has remained at the helm of the organisation since.

READ MORE: People in Oxfordshire are waiting too long for an ambulance, new figures show

In a message to staff at SCAS, he said:“It has been an honour and privilege to lead this amazing organisation and I am extremely grateful for all the support I had from you and so many other incredible colleagues.

“We have seen so much change, growth and development over the years and I am very proud of the role SCAS has played as an innovator in the ambulance sector, as well as the significant relationships I have formed with colleagues and partners across the footprint and beyond on behalf of the organisation.

“In the meantime, there is much for us to focus on within the organisation as we continue to try to overcome the challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and the sustained levels of pressure seen across the trust.

“I want to say a huge thank you to you all for your commitment and resilience having come through such a tough period and I am reassured every day that the fantastic people we have around us here will ensure SCAS continues to thrive.”

 

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi